What does "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) mean in the context of disability benefits?

"Substantial gainful activity" (SGA) refers to the level of work activity used to determine eligibility for disability benefits. In this context, it is defined as earning above a specific monthly income threshold, which indicates that an individual may have the ability to engage in work and is therefore not considered disabled under the Social Security Administration's (SSA) guidelines.

The monthly threshold is established to differentiate between individuals who are genuinely unable to work due to a disability and those who are able to perform work despite having a disability. If a person's earnings exceed this threshold, it suggests they can engage in substantial work and may not qualify for disability benefits.

The focus on monthly earnings is crucial in determining SGA because it provides a measurable way to assess an individual's capacity to participate in the workforce. This concept is central in the evaluation process for determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).